About

The Angewandte Innovation Laboratory, AIL, founded in autumn 2014 is an initiative of the University of Applied Arts Vienna.
For the first time in Austria Art and Artistic Research is seen as the driving force of Innovation.
Together with partners from the fields of business, science, arts and research and the varying positions, sources and resources of the University of Applied Arts Vienna we offer space and time for exchange, networking, experiments of thoughts and the opportunity to get inspired by new perspectives.

Within specific event formats, we discuss interdisciplinary and socially relevant themes, with the goal of creating ideas, concepts and models. New opportunities and solutions are encouraged to address current issues.

The AIL also hosts the Venedig Biennale Archive Austria with its research terminal and reference library. The Biennale Archive provides extensive digital documentation and photographic material for artistic and scientific research. For using the Archive, please make an appointment.

The Angewandte Innovation Laboratory, AIL, founded in autumn 2014 is an initiative of the University of Applied Arts Vienna.

For the first time in Austria Art and Artistic Research is seen as the driving force of Innovation.

Together with partners from the fields of business, science, arts and research and the varying positions, sources and resources of the University of Applied Arts Vienna we offer

FAQ

Please find below the answers to a selection of our most commonly asked questions and contact us if you have any further questions:

What does AIL stand for?

AIL stands for Angewandte Innovation Laboratory

The AIL is understood as a representation space for artistic research and a space for networking, primarily as an ongoing process or a “work in progress ” project.

The Angewandte Innovation Lab is an experimental field,supporting the implementation and presentation of multidisciplinary projects and resources, offering a platform for these topics.
We want to make new point of views or positions visible, with the desire to support and set innovative processes in motion.

Angewandte – because we are part of the University of Applied Arts

Innovation – because we are dedicated to the generation of knowledge and the AIL project was started with the conviction that art informs innovation.

Laboratory – because at the AIL, the focus lies on exchange and artistic research.

Why is there an AIL?

The starting point for the AIL project, was the strong desire for a neutral space dedicated to multidisciplinary projects. This was with the aim of facilitating communication between different expertise on ‘equal ground’ and to expose the manifold connections of Innovation and Art.

What does the AIL offer?

The AIL, through its variety of events, offers a space that inspires and provides new input. Furthermore, guests can use the variety of working spaces to work independently on individual projects. The AIL also provides coffee, drinks and free WIFI. The AIL lounge can furthermore be used for meetings, study groups or for simply for taking a break. In this sense, the AIL offers opportunities for a more personal approach to the University of Applied Arts, to come into contact with the Artistic research program and to become a part of our network.

Additionally: Projects can be submitted and realised in the AIL.

Who “runs” the AIL?

The AIL is part of the University of Applied Arts Vienna and is run by the university. The organisation team include: Alexandra Graupner (Project Coordination), Eva Weber (Project Assistance) und Nico Wind (Project Assistance). They are responsible for the implementation of submitted projects. Furthermore, there is an executive board which determines the composition of the program. The executive board consists of: Gerald Bast (Vice Chancellor of the University of Applied Arts), Jürgen Gschiel (assistant to the vice-president) und Alexander Damianisch (Director, Support for Art & Research).

What does the University have to do with the AIL?

With the establishment of the AIL in October 2014, The University of Applied Arts launched an ambitious project, with the goal to enable exchange amongst different disciplines such as Art, Design, Economics, Science and Technology in one physical location. The AIL is therefore part of and also an extension of the University of Applied Arts.

The AIL should firstly offer an encompassing insight into the Applied Arts and what this represents – artistic research and its results, the variety of disciplines and interest in interdisciplinary work and innovative processes. Secondly, the AIL inspires and brings people from scientific and artistic backgrounds together. The AIL acts as a gateway for different disciplines and fields of interest. In addition to its running program, the AIL also offers an ever changing lounge and individualised working spaces, which are available to everyone.

What we do not pursue: to be a pure exhibition space or an art gallery

Who can I contact at the AIL?

During our office hours, you can find us in the AIL: Mon,Tue,Thur, Fri: 12pm – 5pm; Wed 12pm – 8pm

Who can use the AIL?

The AIL is available for a broad spectrum of activities and events including: exhibitions, workshops, conferences, AIL-talks, presentations and for new types of event formats. The AIL lounge is open for all guests, as is our communal lunch, held every Wednesday. All activities in the AIL are free of charge and open to everyone!

What is the AIL Lounge?

The AIL offers individual workspaces and lounge seating options for the use of our guests. Pending on the current exhibition, on installation and dismantling times, the setting and size of the lounge varies. The lounge is available for individuals or groups and can be used for meetings or for co-working.

The Lounge is actively used in different formats to promote exchange amongst visitors. This includes our weekly lunch held on Wednesdays (‘Kochmittwoch’) and our Monday Kick-off sessions, held throughout the summer – more lounge sessions are currently being planned.

Coffee at the AIL?

Our drinks are basically free or ‘pay as you wish’ and are available self-service at the bar. In addition to coffee, a small assortment of juices, lemonades and water are included. Our bar also provides regular fresh fruit and light snacks.

What is the AIL Kochmittwoch?

Every Wednesday (except public holidays) at 12pm, the AIL offers a community Lunch.
Freshly prepared, the lunch is shared amongst visitors until the food runs out! Each lunch is ‘pay as you wish’. Everyone is welcome to come along, order from our small menu or to even bring something with them! If you would like to participate or help with the cooking, contact: info@ailab.at As part of the AIL Lounge Sessions, the lunch offers the opportunity for coming together, to meet and exchange.

Which types of project are implemented in the AIL?

The AIL program includes a variety of projects. There are no specific rules regarding a set of criteria for implementing projects. However, a common thread amongst all previously implemented projects, can be described as: social relevancy, interdisciplinarity, art as a driving force of innovation, artistic research, expertise across projects and new event formats.

How can I implement a projects on-site? / How can I submit a project?

If you are interested in submitting a project, project submissions can be sent to info@ailab.at.

If the concept is approved by the executive board, (see ‘What is the AIL executive Board?’), then project will be implemented with support from the AIL team. The extent and intensity of staffing and financial assistance varies with each project and is part of the basic requirements of the project being submitted.

When submitting a project, a concept (incl. Financial data), which explains the content orientation of the project should be included. For a positive decision, it is important to also explain why the AIL is the right place for the project. This concept will then be discussed by the AIL Executive Board. If the green light is given for the project submission, the AIL premises are provided free of charge. Together with the AIL organizers, all conditions will further be clarified with respect to financing, resources and personnel support.

What is the AIL Executive Board?

The executive board are:
Gerald Bast (Vice Chancellor of the University of Applied Arts),
Jürgen Gschiel (assistant to the vice-president) und
Alexander Damianisch (Director, Support for Art & Research).

They are responsible for curating the AIL content, providing input on proposed projects and for deciding which projects are implemented and shown at the AIL.

What services does the AIL offer, if I want to implement a project at the AIL?

The services vary in scope and depend heavily on the type of cooperation (for example, in terms of financial support). However, if the Executive Board approves a project in the program, the AIL premises and the infrastructure of the AIL are available for use free of charge.

For corporate and private initiatives: Our rooms are not available for rent – the project content decides whether an event takes place in the AIL or not.

Does the AIL exhibit work from Students?

Students are of course welcome at any time to the AIL and to the lounge! For the exhibition of Diploma work and other works, rooms are available to book through the University (for example the Heiligenkreuzerhof, Lichthöfe). For more information, please contact Mrs Shirly Thurner: shirly.thurner@uni-ak.ac.at, Tel.: 71133-2022. The AIL focusses on supporting the Alumni of the University.

Who finances the AIL?

As part of the University for Applied Arts, the AIL is mainly funded by the University.

Our cooperation partners provide us with new input and inspiration, enable expertise exchange and thereby enhance the reciprocal enrichment and shaping of our growing network.

What is the Biennale Archive and how can I use it?

The Venedig Biennale Archive Austria (Biennale Archiv) is a largely digital archive which documents the Austrian contributions to the Biennial and the history of the Austrian pavilion. The AIL hosts a research terminal which offers users access to the digital documentation and photographic material and a reference library with secondary literature and catalogues about the Venice Biennial. If you would like to research within the archive, please use the contact form at the website to make an appointment. You can find further information at the website biennale-archiv.at

What is the Initiative Franz Josefs Kai 3?

The Initiative Franz Josefs Kai 3 is organised by Franziska Hausmaninger and hosts three events per year at the AIL. Anyone interested in implementing an exhibition during these specific timeslots, which are separate from the AIL thematic orientation, can find all relevant information at franzjosefskai3.com

What does the AIL have to do with the Diagnostic Center Urania (Röntgeninstitut)? The History of the Space.

The location at Franz-Josef-Kai 3 has a varied history behind it. The ceiling in the first room, comes from its original use as a showroom for the famous tile manufacturers ‘the Brothers Schwardon’. From the 1940’s until the 1990’s, the Diagnostic Center Urania, now located at Laurenzberggasse 2, resided here. After the space was renovated by Propeller Z in 2010, the BAWAG Contemporary collection moved in and remained here until 2013.

Please find below the answers to a selection of our most commonly asked questions and contact us if you have any further questions: